Dyson drove in the tying run in a five-run seventh, while Nori Aoki and Billy Butler each drove in two runs and the surging Kansas City Royals rallied to defeat the Oakland Athletics 7-3.

The Royals have won 18 of 22 to move 12 games above .500 for the first time since July 20, 2003.

Dyson lost Josh Reddick's flyball in the sun in the sixth that gave Oakland two runs.

"I feel pretty good after redeeming myself," Dyson said. "I lost the ball in the sun, so I had to make up for it, pick the team up and pick myself up. It was redeem myself or walk off the field. Which one?"

The Royals took the season series, winning five of seven against the Athletics, who have the best record in the majors.

"We feel pretty good ourselves," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "I think every (starting) pitcher we faced on this homestand has been an All-Star and to take six out of seven is pretty good. I'm happy with where we're at."

Aoki's two-run triple put the Royals ahead 5-3. Butler's single scored Aoki and Alcides Escobar. Dyson fouled off four consecutive pitches before hitting an RBI single to right for the first run of the inning.

Right-hander Jeff Samardzija (3-2) took the loss, giving up four runs, three earned, and eight hits in 6 2/3 innings.

"It happened quick," Melvin said of Samardzjia's giving up two hits in the seventh.

"Pitch-count wise, he was great. He had good life on his splitter and his fastball was great."

Athletics: RHP Jason Hammel will start the opener of a weekend series at Atlanta. The A's last played at Atlanta in 2008, losing two of three.

Royals: LHP Danny Duffy will start Friday at Minnesota, where the Royals have lost four of six this season. The Royals play their next nine on the road, all against clubs in last place in their division — Minnesota, Colorado and Texas.